Geelong Cultural Precinct

Arts and Culture Pillar

The Need

Robust population growth and ageing infrastructure is creating a strong demand for modern arts and cultural facilities in the G21 region.

The implementation of the Cultural Precinct Master Plan is underway. Refurbishment of the Old Courthouse Building was completed in 2011 and the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre (GLHC) opened in late 2015. Works on the Geelong Performing Arts Centre (GPAC) commenced in 2017, with the project becoming fully funded in 2018. The redevelopment of the Geelong Gallery is the final stage of project realisation.

The Geelong Gallery has enjoyed strong growth over the past ten years, with visitation doubling during this period. It currently attracts between 75,000 and 85,000 guests annually, however, this would triple to 200,000+ with expanded and upgraded facilities.

The Gallery’s ambition to contribute more to Geelong’s ‘clever and creative’ economic and cultural renewal is seriously restricted by a lack of adequate space, limiting display and constraining storage of the magnificent collection owned by the people of Geelong. Expanded facilities will embed large scale, popular and drawcard exhibitions, providing significant tourism and economic outcomes for the G21 region as part of the Geelong Gallery’s core business.

Following redevelopment, the Gallery will more than double its current footprint, gaining an extra 3200m2.

The new GLHC is providing clear evidence of the impact redevelopment can have on the precinct. In its first full financial year of operation (2016-17) since opening in late 2015, the GLHC recorded just under half a million visitors. This has grown 209% in the four years since demolition and reconstruction has taken place. The Geelong Gallery also experienced increased visitation in the order of 35%, which reflects keen interest in the Gallery’s new exhibition space and flow-on from increased pedestrian traffic in the precinct.

The redevelopment of the Geelong Gallery is a critical element of the Revitalising Central Geelong Action Plan, which will regenerate of Geelong’s Central Business District.

Project Aim

To create a regional hub for arts and culture activities and businesses comprising:

refurbishment of the Old Courthouse Building (completed)

an integrated GLHC (completed)

an expanded and refurbished GPAC (funded)

expansion of the Geelong Gallery (Business Case funded, development OUTSTANDING)

work on the public realm in Lt Malop Street and Johnstone Park including public art and improved links to the train station and waterfront.

G21 Pillars

About G21

G21 is the formal alliance of government, business and community organisations working together to improve the lives of people within the Geelong region across five member municipalities – Colac Otway, Golden Plains, Greater Geelong, Queenscliffe and Surf Coast.